MOUSSA DEMBELE was tormentor of Rangers all over again as Celtic booked their place against Aberdeen in the Betfred Cup Final.

The French striker, who hit a hat-trick in the league meeting between the clubs last month, struck with just three minutes to go at the national stadium to end the brave resistance of his Ibrox rivals.

Rangers were second best thoughout, but a combination of dogged defending and poor finishing from the Hoops kept them in the game, until Dembele struck.

Dembele flicks home the winner

The former Fulham kid nipped in front of Rob Kiernan for the first time in the game to squeeze a low cross from sub Leigh Griffiths inside the post of keeper Matt Gilks.

It was no more than Brendan Rodgers’ side deserved as they dominated possession and chances, with Gilks standing tall time and time again to break the hearts of the Hoops - until Dembele struck.

The Celtic striker sent half of Hampden into ecstasy as quality told in the end, although the majority of Rangers fans stayed behind after the final whistle to salute the efforts of their players.

3 THINGS WE LEARNED

Leigh Griffiths and Moussa Dembele celebrate the French striker’s winner

Quality counts

1. Dembele had cut a forlorn figure for much of the game, so well marshalled was he by Gers defender Kiernan. But he needed only a half chance as he pounced to prove his worth.

Leigh Griffiths in action with Rangers' Andy Halliday

At the depth

2. Celtic boast strength in depth no one else in Scottish football can match. Griffiths has cut a frustrated figure of late after dropping out of the team, but still came off the bench to turn creator for the winning goal. Who says Dembele and Griffiths cant play up front together?

Erik Sviatchenko and Kenny Miller go airborne to try and win the ball

Hearts back in it

3. Rangers were humbled the last time the sides met, but their resistance this time was admirable. They rode their luck at times, but showed heart and commitment that should stand them in good stead for their league campaign, even if a challenge to Celtic’s superiority remains some way off.